2025.09.02TUE
SaveHistory
NEW New content added
Members-only content has been added!
Register as a member for exclusive articles and events.
2025.08.01
RESEARCH

Why the Unique Merrell "Hydro Moc" Sandal Is Creating a Buzz Both in the City & the Mountains

#MERRELL
#Hydro Moc
#Amphibious Sandal
#Functional Footwear
#Sustainable Materials
Copied to Clipboard
*The text-to-speech feature is generated by AI,
so there may be errors in the reading.
There are countless shoes developed with outdoor use in mind that end up being widely worn in urban environments as well.
The American footwear brand Merrell's "Hydro Moc" released in 2019 is the perfect example of a sandal that embodies today's "urban outdoor" style.
Originally designed for river adventures, these sandals also offer true comfort in the city, while their striking design adds an edgy twist to any outfit. How did this amphibia sandal, blending function and design, come to life—and what propelled it to global popularity?
We spoke with Yusuke Tanaka, who oversees marketing at Marubeni Consumer Brands, the official importer and distributor of Merrell in Japan.
PROFILE
Yusuke Tanaka

Marubeni Consumer Brands Inc.

Merrell Business Dept., Marketing Manager

A High-Performance Sandal Born for River Walking Activities

"The inspiration for creating the Hydro Moc was the widespread activity of hydro hiking in America," Tanaka explains.
Hydro hiking is a portmanteau of Hydro (water) + Hike, and refers to all activities involving walking in watery landscapes—rivers, wetlands, muddy mountain trails, and more.
Share Article
Copied to Clipboard
CONCEPT VIDEO
"fashion tech news" Unveils New Logo & Concept Video
PICKUP CONTENTS
Artisan
Delivering content that shares the value of Japanese crafts, linking past to future.
TOP ARTICLES
From Pokémon Kimonos to Heian-Era Styles: MISAMARU Redefines the Freedom and Boundaries of the Kimono
1

From Pokémon Kimonos to Heian-Era Styles: MISAMARU Redefines the Freedom and Boundaries of the Kimono

PHILOSOPHY
Urushi Art × Future: Who Is Keisuke Sano, the Young Urushi Artist Creating "Enigma" with Techniques from 1,000 Years Ago?
2

Urushi Art × Future: Who Is Keisuke Sano, the Young Urushi Artist Creating "Enigma" with Techniques from 1,000 Years Ago?

CULTURE
Dissecting UNIQLO's "HeatTech"! What's the Difference Between Extra Warm, Ultra Warm, & Cashmere Blend Extra Warm?
3

Dissecting UNIQLO's "HeatTech"! What's the Difference Between Extra Warm, Ultra Warm, & Cashmere Blend Extra Warm?

RESEARCH
What Era Does the Clothing in "The Apothecary Diaries" Represent? Exploring the Unseen World of Hanfu
4

What Era Does the Clothing in "The Apothecary Diaries" Represent? Exploring the Unseen World of Hanfu

CULTURE
Collaboration with Godzilla & Phantom Siita in the Spotlight: Ryosuke Matsui of "ha | za | ma" Talks About "Fashion as a Way of Life"
5

Collaboration with Godzilla & Phantom Siita in the Spotlight: Ryosuke Matsui of "ha | za | ma" Talks About "Fashion as a Way of Life"

PHILOSOPHY
CONCEPT VIDEO
"fashion tech news" Unveils New Logo & Concept Video
PICKUP CONTENTS
Artisan
Delivering content that shares the value of Japanese crafts, linking past to future.

CATEGORIES
BUSINESSRESEARCHPHILOSOPHYCULTUREBEAUTYINFO
SPECIAL CONTENT
FEATURESSERIESPROJECTSEVENTSARTISANABOUT US
Follow Us
©️ZOZO NEXT, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
fashion tech news is a registered trademark of ZOZO, Inc.
CATEGORIES
businessBUSINESSresearchRESEARCHphilosophyPHILOSOPHYcultureCULTUREbeautyBEAUTYinfoINFO
SPECIAL CONTENT
featuresFEATURESseriesSERIESprojectsPROJECTSeventsEVENTSMy adventure at the SHIGARAKI CERAMIC CULTURAL PARK（Catherine GIANOLA）ARTISANAbout usABOUT US
Follow Us
CONTACT
If you have any questions or enquiries, please enter your details in the form below.
Enquiry item必須

This website uses cookies to enhance user experience and to analyze performance and traffic.
For further information please read our Cookie Policy.